What are the criteria for determining a red light violation?
2 Answers
Three photos captured by electronic cameras are used to determine a red light violation: a photo of the vehicle crossing the intersection stop line, showing the traffic light as red and the license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely passing the stop line, showing the traffic light as red and the license plate number; and a photo of the vehicle continuing to move, comparing changes in the vehicle's position, showing the traffic light as red and the license plate number. Capturing these three photos confirms a red light violation. The act of running a red light is clearly defined in the "Road Traffic Safety Law." Article 26 states that traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and driving through an intersection when the light is red constitutes a red light violation. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: Check the arrow light first, then the circular light: There are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When an arrow light is present, check the arrow light first, then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, you may turn right. However, if the right-turn arrow is red, you must not turn right; otherwise, you will be penalized for running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, do not let the front of your vehicle cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, resulting in a red light violation penalty. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed through the intersection; wait for the green light. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no countdown, and you are close to the intersection with high speed, you may proceed to avoid braking too late and running the red light. If your speed is slow and you are far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid a violation. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motorized vehicle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signals. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Red light violations are not penalized in the following situations: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If a red light violation is captured while yielding, manual review will not record the violation. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration with the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, and even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the evidence photos may be blurry. In such cases, accidental red light violations will not be penalized. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, multiple red light violations may occur. After delivery, provide proof from the hospital or the assisted person to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violations will be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is advisable to avoid accidents caused by red light violations. Traffic police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers should follow the traffic police's hand signals.
I have personal experience with running red lights. Last time at an intersection, I almost got a ticket. Actually, traffic cameras need to capture three photos as solid evidence: the front wheels crossing the sensor line while the light is red, the rear wheels crossing while the light is still red, and the vehicle completely passing through the intersection while the light remains red. The key is the tire position—if your front wheels cross the line when the light changes from yellow to red, it doesn't count. There's also the case of accidentally running a red light when following a large truck. If you appeal, remember to emphasize that your view was blocked. Additionally, the position of the sensor loops varies at each intersection—some are closer to the stop line, others farther away. When driving, pay attention to those cut marks on the road surface.
